One of the most stressful moments when traveling abroad is getting lost.
But before we start, here is one important tip.
Google Maps is not very convenient in Korea.
Koreans do not usually use Google Maps when getting around inside Korea.
In Korea, the map made by NAVER is much more accurate and detailed.
It shows bus routes, subway routes, and even when the next bus is coming.
So if you want to save time while traveling in Korea, do not rely only on Google Maps!
Please use “NAVER Map” in Korea.
It also has an English version!
To be honest, if you do not know Korean, asking “여기 어떻게 가요?” may not help that much.
Why?
Because you may not understand the answer in Korean.
So instead of difficult words like “left,” “right,” “turn,” or “the second traffic light after the next one,” I will introduce phrases that you can actually use.
Where is Gangnam Station? Use this when you think you are near Gangnam Station, but you are lost.
Korean: 강남역이 어디예요?
Dictionary Pronunciation: Gang-nam-yeok-i eo-di-ye-yo
Easy Pronunciation: Gang-nam-yuh-gee uh-dee-yeh-yo?
Could you search it on my NAVER Map? Use this when you tried searching by yourself, but you could not find the place.
Korean: 제 네이버 지도에 검색해 주세요.
Dictionary Pronunciation: Je Nae-beo ji-do-e geom-saek-hae ju-se-yo
Easy Pronunciation: Jeh Naver jee-do-eh gum-sek-heh Ju-say-O
Can I walk there? Use this when you want to know if the place is close enough to walk.
Korean: 걸어서 갈 수 있어요?
Dictionary Pronunciation: Geol-eo-seo gal su it-seo-yo
Easy Pronunciation: Guh-ruh-suh gal soo ee-soy-O?
How long does it take to walk there? Use this when the place is close enough to walk.
Korean: 걸어서 얼마나 걸려요?
Dictionary Pronunciation: Geol-eo-seo eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo
Easy Pronunciation: Guh-ruh-suh uhl-ma-na gull-lyuh-yo?
Do I need to take the subway? Use this when the place is too far to walk.
Korean: 지하철 타야 돼요?
Dictionary Pronunciation: Ji-ha-cheol ta-ya dwae-yo
Easy Pronunciation: Ja-chul ta-ya day-O?
Do I need to take the bus? Use this when the place is too far to walk.
Korean: 버스 타야 돼요?
Dictionary Pronunciation: Beo-seu ta-ya dwae-yo
Easy Pronunciation: Bus ta-ya day-O?
If Koreans realize that your Korean is not fluent, most people will try to explain slowly or use English.
Next time, I will bring useful Korean phrases you can use when you get lost on the subway or bus!🚃🚌
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